December 2014 Newsletter

Click on the link to view this month's newsletter.

December 2014 Newsletter

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (12/7/14)

• Men's Breakfast tomorrow morning at 8 AM. Lots of good food bring a friend with you.
• Children and youth need to be at the church at 9:45 to practice for the Christmas program.

Scripture
Esther 4:1-17 (ESV)  

When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. [2] He went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth. [3] And in every province, wherever the king's command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes. 

[4] When Esther's young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. [5] Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. [6] Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate, [7] and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. [8] Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him on behalf of her people. [9] And Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. [10] Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, [11] "All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days." 

[12] And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. [13] Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. [14] For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" [15] Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, [16] "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." [17] Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him. 

Questions for Reflection

Esther’s struggle with identity and risk raise critical questions for Christians today, including these:

1. How do we maintain our witness of faith in a culture dominated by material consumption and political brinkmanship?
2. What power does any one of us really have to make a difference?
3. What kind of risks are we willing to take on behalf of those vulnerable and threatened?
4. Which of our identities ultimately shape our lives? Am I first and foremost a parent? An American? A Christian? An employee?
5. What complicit agreements do we make with cultural or political powers to maintain our own status and privilege?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (11/23/14)

The Hanging of the Greens will be Sunday at 5:30 chili and cornbread will be provided please bring a dessert to share.

Scripture
Jeremiah 1:4-10 (ESV)  
    Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
    [5] "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
    and before you were born I consecrated you;
    I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
    [6] Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth."  [7] But the Lord said to me,
    "Do not say, 'I am only a youth';
    for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,
    and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
    [8] Do not be afraid of them,
    for I am with you to deliver you,
declares the Lord."
    [9] Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me,
    "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
    [10] See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,
    to pluck up and to break down,
    to destroy and to overthrow,
    to build and to plant."

Jeremiah 7:1-11 (ESV)  

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:  [2] "Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the Lord, all you men of Judah who enter these gates to worship the Lord.  [3] Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place.  [4] Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.' 

[5] "For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another [6] if you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own harm,  [7] then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever. 

[8] "Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail.  [9] Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known,  [10] and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, 'We are delivered!'—only to go on doing all these abominations?  [11] Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the Lord.  

Questions for Reflection
1.    What does it feel like to bring news that you know will be unpopular?
2.    When have you been chosen for a task for which you felt totally unqualified?
3.    How did God announce to Jeremiah that he was chosen as a prophet? (1:5)
4.    What was Jeremiah’s assessment of his own abilities in relation to God’s call? (1:6)
5.    How did God respond to Jeremiah’s reservations? (1:7)
6.    What promise did God make to Jeremiah from the outset of his ministry? (1:8)
7.    What difference can it make to know that God knew us and set us apart even before our birth?
8.    What reservations do you have about your ability to serve God according to His call?
9.    When we tell people about Christ, whose words do we speak?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (11/16/14)

Scripture
Isaiah 36:1-3 (ESV)  

In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them. [2] And the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem, with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer's Field. [3] And there came out to him Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder.

Isaiah 36:13-20 (ESV)  

Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out in a loud voice in the language of Judah: "Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! [14] Thus says the king: 'Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to deliver you. [15] Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord by saying, "The Lord will surely deliver us. This city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria." [16] Do not listen to Hezekiah. For thus says the king of Assyria: Make your peace with me and come out to me. Then each one of you will eat of his own vine, and each one of his own fig tree, and each one of you will drink the water of his own cistern, [17] until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards. [18] Beware lest Hezekiah mislead you by saying, "The Lord will deliver us." Has any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? [19] Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? [20] Who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?' " 

Isaiah 37:1-7 (ESV)  

As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. [2] And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests, covered with sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz. [3] They said to him, "Thus says Hezekiah, 'This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth. [4] It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.' " 

[5] When the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah, [6] Isaiah said to them, "Say to your master, 'Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me. [7] Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.'" 

Questions for Reflection

1. When have you seen high or low morale determine the outcome of a challenging situation?
2. When have you been persuaded that it is fruitless to fight against some group of people, trend, or opposing opinion?
3. What message did the commander address directly to the people on the wall of the city? (36:13-15)
4. For what reasons did the Assyrian urge the people of Jerusalem to surrender? (36:16-17)
5. Why was the Assyrian field commander convinced that God could not help the people of Jerusalem? (36:18-20)
6. What was the Assyrian field commander’s purpose in approaching the city ahead of the army?
7. How can Christians stand firm even when they are aware of their own weakness and the strength of an enemy?
8. According to the prophet Isaiah, how did God view the words of the Assyrian field commander? (37:5-7)

Readings for the Week of Nov. 17-23

Nov. 17 Monday          Isaiah 36:4-12
Nov. 18 Tuesday          Isaiah 37:8-13
Nov. 19 Wednesday  Isaiah 37:14-29
Nov. 20 Thursday          Isaiah 37:30-38
Nov. 21 Friday  Isaiah 38:1-22
Nov. 22 Saturday          Isaiah 39:1-8
Nov. 23 Sunday  Jeremiah 1:4-10; 7:1-11

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (11/9/14)

The youth will be having a bake sale at Hill Country Sporting Goods Saturday 10am to 1:00pm. If you would like to bake something please drop it off at the church Friday. 

Scripture
Please Read Micah Chapter 6 and 7

My sermon will focus on:
Micah 6:6-8 (ESV)  
    "With what shall I come before the Lord,
        and bow myself before God on high?
    Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
        with calves a year old?
    [7] Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
        with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
    Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
        the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?"
    [8] He has told you, O man, what is good;
        and f what does the Lord require of you
    but to do justice, and to love kindness,
        and to walk humbly with your God?

Questions for Reflection

1. When faced with difficult circumstances, on whom can you most depend for help?
2. What was God’s indictment against Israel? (6:1-5)
3. How did Israel propose to make up for its sins? (6:6-8)
4. What did God desire from His people? (6:8)
5. What were some of the sins in which Israel was involved? (6:9-12)
6. What does it mean to act justly? love mercy? walk humbly with God?
7. In what way does God want us to be a force for good against evil in the world?
8. If all Christians were spiritual people who always obeyed God faithfully and acted justly, how might our society be different?

November 2014 Newsletter

To view this month's newsletter, click on the link below.

November 2014 Newsletter

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (11/2/14)

Scripture
Please read all of 2 Kings chapter 4

Questions for Reflection
1. What are the feelings that go along with debt and financial hardships?
2. Whose prayers do you want when you are facing life’s most daunting problems?
3. What was the predicament of the widow of one of the prophets? (4:1)
4. How did Elisha make use of what little the widow had to provide for her by faith? (4:2-6)
5. When did the oil stop flowing for the widow and her sons? (4:6)
6. What circumstance have you faced in which you were afraid to hope?
7. What were the evidences of faith in how the Shunammite woman behaved after her son’s death?
8. In what different ways did Elisha show compassion in this set of incidents?
9. When have you hesitated to ask someone to pray for you because you felt self-conscious?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (10/26/14)

Following morning worship Sunday we will hold a congregational meeting to elect a nominating committee for Elders Class of 2017.  That will be followed by a pot luck church family luncheon. Please bring a dish to share.

Scripture
1 Kings 3:3-15   

Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. [4] And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. [5] At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." [6] And Solomon said, "You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. [7] And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. [8] And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. [9] Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" 

[10] It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. [11] And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, [12] behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. [13] I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. [14] And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days." [15] And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants. 

Questions for Reflection

1. What have you fantasized you would ask for if you had three wishes?
2. What did God say to Solomon in a dream while he was at Gibeon? (3:5)
3. How did Solomon see his own place in the history of God and Israel? (3:6)
4. What did Solomon find humbling about being king? (3:7-8)
5. In Solomon’s view whose nation was Israel? (3:8)
6. What request did Solomon make of God and for what purpose? (3:9)
7. How did God feel about what Solomon had chosen to request? (3:10)
8. What difference did it make that Solomon asked God for wisdom? (3:10-14)
9. Why are riches and honor of less ultimate value than wisdom?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (10/19/14)

Scripture
2 Samuel 11:26-12:16 (ESV)  

When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she lamented over her husband.  [27] And when the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord. 

[12:1] And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, "There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor.  [2] The rich man had very many flocks and herds,  [3] but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him.  [4] Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him."  [5] Then David's anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die,  [6] and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." 

[7] Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul.  [8] And I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.  [9] Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.  [10] Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.'  [11] Thus says the Lord, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.  [12] For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.' "  [13] David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.  [14] Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die."  [15] Then Nathan went to his house.

And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick.  [16] David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.  

Questions for Reflection

1. In what ways do you agree or disagree with the adage “Power corrupts”?
2. To what extent do you believe public officials should be accountable for their private behavior?
3. How did Nathan use the story to convict David? (12:7-9)
4. According to Nathan, what would be the consequences of David’s sin? (12:13-14)
5. Why was the parable Nathan told to David so effective?
6. In what sense can a definite “no” from God in response to our request actually be a relief?
7. Why is our sense of outrage easily sparked against strangers but difficult to muster in relation to our own actions?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (10/12/14)

Scripture
Joshua 24:1-22 (ESV)  

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel. And they presented themselves before God. [2] And Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods. [3] Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan, and made his offspring many. I gave him Isaac. [4] And to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. And I gave Esau the hill country of Seir to possess, but Jacob and his children went down to Egypt. [5] And I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt with what I did in the midst of it, and afterward I brought you out. 

[6] " 'Then I brought your fathers out of Egypt, and you came to the sea. And the Egyptians pursued your fathers with chariots and horsemen to the Red Sea. [7] And when they cried to the Lord, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians and made the sea come upon them and cover them; and your eyes saw what I did in Egypt. And you lived in the wilderness a long time. [8] Then I brought you to the land of the Amorites, who lived on the other side of the Jordan. They fought with you, and I gave them into your hand, and you took possession of their land, and I destroyed them before you. [9] Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel. And he sent and invited Balaam the son of Beor to curse you, [10] but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand. [11] And you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho, and the leaders of Jericho fought against you, and also the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And I gave them into your hand. [12] And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you, the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow. [13] I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.' 

[14] "Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. [15] And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." 

[16] Then the people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods, [17] for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed. [18] And the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God." 

[19] But Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. [20] If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good." [21] And the people said to Joshua, "No, but we will serve the Lord." [22] Then Joshua said to the people, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him." And they said, "We are witnesses."  

Questions for Reflection
1. What would you list as the three most significant events in your life?
2. What benefit do you see in remembering important events from your past?
3. Why was it necessary for Joshua to remind the Israelites what God had done for them? (24:1-14)
4. What did the Lord give to Israel, and what did He ask in return? (24:13-14)
5. What choice did Joshua present before the Israelites? (24:15)
6. What decision had Joshua made about his own faith? (24:15)
7. How did the Israelites respond to Joshua’s challenge? (24:16-18)
8. Why did Joshua say that the people of Israel were not able to serve the Lord? (24:19)
9. When is it most helpful for you to be reminded of God’s faithfulness in the past?
10. What are the most significant things that you have seen the Lord do in your life?
11. When did you make the decision to serve the Lord?

October 2014 Newsletter

Click on the link to view this month's newsletter.

October 2014 Newsletter

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (10/5/14)

Scripture
Exodus 19:3-7 (ESV)  

while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel:  [4] You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.  [5] Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;  [6] and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel." [7] So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 

Exodus 20:1-17 (ESV)  

And God spoke all these words, saying, [2] "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. [3] "You shall have no other gods before me. [4] "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.  [5] You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,  [6] but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. [7] "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. [8] "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  [9] Six days you shall labor, and do all your work,  [10] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.  [11] For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. [12] "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. [13] "You shall not murder. [14] "You shall not commit adultery. [15] "You shall not steal. [16] "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. [17] "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's." 

Questions for Reflection

1. How do you feel when you tell someone something and he or she completely ignores what you say?
2. Why do governments establish laws and policies?
3. What are things our society tends to worship?
4. How did God describe Himself? (20:2)
5. What are we commanded not to put before God? (20:3)
6. What did God tell us not to make? (20:4)
7. What is the consequence of bowing before false gods? (20:5)
8. To whom does God express His love? (20:6)
9. How are we to consider using the name of the Lord? (20:7)
10. How do you think God feels when we worship things other than Him?
11. Why does God not want us to commit sins against Him and others?
12. What people, things, and other loyalties sometimes captivate your attention more than God?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (9/28/14) ~ Baptism Sunday evening

This Sunday at 4:00 PM we will gather on Curt and Jennifer Kneese's river bank to celebrate the sacrament of baptism for 1 adult, Joey Freeman, and 3 youth, Grayson Bannowsky, Chet and Chainey Weitz. Please come join us.  We will have a reception following if you would like to please bring some cookies to share.

Scripture

Exodus 14:10-14 (ESV)  

When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. [11] They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? [12] Is not this what we said to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness." [13] And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. [14] The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." 

Exodus 14:21-31 (ESV)  

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.  [22] And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. [23] The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. [24] And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, [25] clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians." 

[26] Then the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen." [27] So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. [28] The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. [29] But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 

[30] Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. [31] Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. 

Questions for Reflection
1. What did the Israelites cry to Moses when the Egyptians came after them? (14:10-12)
2. How did Moses respond when the Egyptians were bearing down on the Israelites? (14:13-14)
3. What miraculous events took place at the Red Sea? (14:21-31)
4. How do you think Moses felt when God gave him specific directions?
5. How is it hard to follow God when we know He wants to direct us to safety?
6. How do you imagine God felt when the Israelites cried to return to Egypt?
7. How is listening to God tied to our safety and protection?
8. What might the Israelites have felt about their bad attitudes after God rescued them?
9. How can bad attitudes and not listening to God get us in trouble?
10. What do we have to do to be obedient to God even when we don’t feel like it?
11. How has God performed amazing “Red Sea” miracles in your life?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (9/21/14)

Scripture
Genesis 39:1-23 (ESV)  

Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. [2] The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. [3] His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. [4] So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. [5] From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. [6] So he left all that he had in Joseph's charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate.

Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. [7] And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, "Lie with me." [8] But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. [9] He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" [10] And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her. 

[11] But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, [12] she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. [13] And as soon as she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house, [14] she called to the men of her household and said to them, "See, he has brought among us a Hebrew to laugh at us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. [15] And as soon as he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried out, he left his garment beside me and fled and got out of the house." [16] Then she laid up his garment by her until his master came home, [17] and she told him the same story, saying, "The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to laugh at me. [18] But as soon as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment beside me and fled out of the house." 

[19] As soon as his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, "This is the way your servant treated me," his anger was kindled. [20] And Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. [21] But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. [22] And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. [23] The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph's charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed. 

Questions for Reflection
1. What’s your favorite example of “an offer you can’t refuse”?
2. Who were the main people in these events, and what kind of people were they? (39:1-40:23)
3. What did Potiphar observe about Joseph, and what did he do as a result? (39:2-6)
4. What did Potiphar’s wife ask Joseph to do, and what was his response? (39:7-12)
5. How did Potiphar’s wife react when Joseph refused her? (39:13-18)
6. How did Potiphar respond to his wife’s story? (39:19-20)
7. Why is it difficult to trust God when bad things happen?
8. How did Joseph make the most of the bad situations in which he found himself?
9. How can we honor God in our employment?
10. How do you respond when you are mistreated by another person?
11. What attitude do we need when our situation seems hopeless?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (9/14/14)

Scripture
Matthew 18:21-35 (ESV)  

Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" [22] Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. [23] "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. [24] When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. [25] And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' [27] And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. [28] But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.' [29] So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' [30] He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. [31] When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. [32] Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. [33] And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' [34] And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. [35] So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

Questions for Reflection
1. What makes forgiveness difficult?
2. What acts of mercy have you seen or heard about recently?
3. What are some situations others have faced that you would find difficult to forgive?
4. How did the king graciously respond to the indebted servant’s desperate plea? (18:27)
5. What did the servant go do after his debt was cancelled? (18:28)
6. How likely are we to forgive someone once, twice, or even three times?
7. In what ways has God shown mercy in forgiving our sins?
8. If God is so willing to forgive us, why are we sometimes unwilling to forgive others?
9. How do we sometimes forgive with strings attached?
10. What should we do if we don’t feel like forgiving others?

September 2014 Newsletter

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September 2014 Newsletter

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (9/7/14)

Men of the Church Breakfast – Saturday, Sept 6th ~ 8 AM.

Sunday School Kick-off Breakfast on Sunday, Sept 7th ~ gather at 9:45, eat at 10:00 AM.

Scripture
Romans 14:1-12 (ESV)  

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. [2] One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. [3] Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. [4] Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. [5] One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. [6] The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. [7] For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. [8] If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. [9] For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. [10] Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; [11] for it is written,

    "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
        and every tongue shall confess to God."
[12] So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Romans 14:17-22 (ESV)  

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. [18] Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. [19] So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. [20] Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. [21] It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. [22] The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.  

Questions for Reflection
1. When have you refused to eat something that was put before you?
2. What reasons did Paul give for not judging people on disputable matters? (14:1-12)
3. What issues did Paul believe were not worth fighting over? (13:2, 5)
4. What should be the primary motivation for a person’s decision to eat meat or celebrate a sacred day? (13:6-8)
5. What will each person do when standing before God’s judgment seat? (14:12)
6. What is a Christian’s responsibility for building peace among the other believers? (14:19-21)
7. How should concern for other believers affect our personal choices? (14:21)
8. What responsibility do you have to be a good example for others?
9. What practice would you be willing to give up if it proved to be a bad influence on others?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/31/14)

Scripture
Romans 13:8-12 (ESV)  

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.  [9] The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  [10] Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.  [11] Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.  [12] The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.  

Questions for Reflection

1.    What sort of actions communicate love to you?
2.    In what area of life is a Christian to maintain a continuing debt? (13:8)
3.    What is the sign that a Christian has fulfilled the Law? (13:8)
4.    What one command sums up all the other commands? (13:9)
5.    What act and attitude is the fulfillment of the Law? (13:10)
6.    What “hour” had arrived for the Roman Christians? (13:11)
7.    How did Paul encourage his audience to live godly lives? (13:11-12)
8.    What does it mean that love is the fulfillment of the Law?
9.    What specific acts of love can Christians show to friends, family, neighbors, and strangers?
10.  What are the signs that the present age is nearly over?
11.  How would you live if you knew the world would end in six months?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/24/14)

Scripture
Romans 12:9-21 (ESV)  

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. [11] Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 

[14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. [17] Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. [18] If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. [19] Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." [20] To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  

Questions for Reflection

1. What might a friend do to you that you would have trouble forgiving?
2. What advice would you give to someone who wanted some practical wisdom on how to get along with others?
3. What should we hate? (12:9)
4. What is genuine love like? (12:9, 13, 18-21)
5. What attitudes should we strive to have? (12:9-16)
6. How can a Christian learn to love others as God loves them?
7. In what ways is Christian love more than emotion?
8. What does it mean to honor one another?
9. In what ways can you honor someone above yourself? Who?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/17/14)

Scripture for Sunday
Romans 12:1-8 (ESV)  

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. [3] For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. [4] For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, [5] so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. [6] Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; [7] if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; [8] the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Questions for Reflection

1. How do people properly worship God? (12:1)
2. What is the most reasonable response to God’s great mercy? (12:1-2)
3. How is the Christian to be different from unbelieving people? (12:2)
4. How should the mind of a Christian be changed? (12:2)
5. How should Christians think about themselves? (12:3)
6. What are the gifts of God? (12:6-8)
7. How should each person use his or her gifts? (12:6-8)
8. How can a Christian renew his or her mind?
9. How does understanding God’s love raise our self-esteem?
10. How does understanding God’s love reduce our selfishness and conceit?
11. How do people united in Christ act toward each other?
12. How can the gifts God bestows on Christians help others in the church or community?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/3/14)

Scripture
Romans 9:14-33 (ESV)  

What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means!  [15] For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."  [16] So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.  [17] For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."  [18] So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 

[19] You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?"  [20] But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?"  [21] Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honored use and another for dishonorable use?  [22] What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,  [23] in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— [24] even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?  [25] As indeed he says in Hosea,

    "Those who were not my people I will call 'my people,'
        and her who was not beloved I will call 'beloved.' "
    [26] "And in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,'
        there they will be called 'sons of the living God.' "

[27] And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,  [28] for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay."  [29] And as Isaiah predicted,

    "If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring,
        we would have been like Sodom
        and become like Gomorrah."

[30] What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith;  [31] but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law.  [32] Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,  [33] as it is written,

    "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;
        and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."

Questions for Reflection

1.  How did Paul defend the accusation that God is unjust in His treatment of people? (9:14-15)
2. What determines how God bestows favor on people? (9:16)
3. What examples from history did Paul use to demonstrate God’s choice of blessing? (9:17-18)
4. What right do we have to question God? (9:19-21)
5. Why does God show great patience with us even though we deserve His wrath? (9:22-24)
6. What did the prophets Isaiah and Hosea tell us about God’s patience and justice? (9:25-29)
7. On what basis does God choose people to inherit His promises?
8. How have you experienced God’s mercy and patience in your life?

August 2014 Newsletter

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August 2014 Newsletter

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (7/27/14)

Don't forget the end of Vacation Bible School dinner Friday night at 6:00 pm. Come and enjoy hamburgers, hot-dogs and good fellowship. If you would like to bring something please bring a desert or salad to share.

Scripture
Romans 8:26-39 (ESV)  

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. [27] And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. [28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [29] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 

[31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [33] Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  [36] As it is written,

    "For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
        we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Questions for Reflection

1. What type of sacrifices do people commonly make for the sake of a future reward?
2. How did Paul describe the difference between his present and his future? (8:18)
3. What is the world waiting to see? (8:19)
4. For what reason has the world been forced to wait? (8:20-21)
5. To what human experience did Paul compare his waiting? (8:22-23)
6. For what are the children of God waiting? (8:23)
7. What is and is not genuine hope? (8:24-25)
8. In what ways do Christians live in glorious freedom?
9. What frustrations do Christians feel as they wait for Christ to return?
10. What do we learn about God’s love for us when we realize that the Holy Spirit helps us even when we cannot pray?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (7/13/14)

Rev. Ronald (Ron) Guinn of Austin TX, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. Our sympathies go out to his wife Ann, and family during this difficult time. Condolences may be sent to his wife at the address listed below. 

Celebration of Life Service ~ Saturday, July 26, 2014 ~ 2:00 PM
Longhorn Village
12501 Longhorn Village Drive
Austin, TX 78732

Ann Guinn
521 Vaughn Cove
Austin, TX 78732

Scripture
Romans 8:1-11 (ESV)  

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. [3] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. [6] To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. [7] For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. [8] Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 

[9] You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [10] But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 

Questions for Reflection

1. What impact can a good father or a bad father have on a person’s life?
2. What is the status of a person who trusts in Jesus Christ? (8:1)
3. How is a person set free from the law of sin and death? (8:2)
4. What did God do that the Law was powerless to do? (8:3-5)
5. What is the difference between those who live according to their sinful nature and those who live according to the Spirit? (8:5-8)
6. How can a person know if he or she is controlled by the sinful nature or by the Spirit? (8:9)
7. What promise is given to people living in the Spirit? (8:11)
8. What feelings of condemnation and rejection may Christians feel?
9. In what ways does knowing Christ set us free?

July 2014 Newsletter

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July 2014 Newsletter

June 2014 Newsletter

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June 2014 Newsletter

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (6/8/14)

Scripture
Acts 2:1-13 (ESV)  

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

[5] Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. [6] And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. [7] And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? [8] And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? [9] Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, [10] Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, [11] both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." [12] And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"  [13] But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine."

Questions for Reflection

1. Where did a violent wind come from? (2:2)
2. What was the importance of the wind and fire? (2:2-4)
3. When the Holy Spirit filled the believers, what did they do? (2:4)
4. How did the God-fearing Jews visiting Jerusalem react when they heard Christians speaking their languages? (2:6-11)
5. Why is the coming of the Spirit associated with wind, fire, and different languages?
6. What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
7. How does God use us to witness to others?
8. When has God enabled you to do something that you didn’t think you could do?
9. How could your church benefit from greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (6/1/14)

Scripture 
Acts 1:1-12 (ESV)

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,  [2] until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

[3] To them he presented himself alive after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

[4] And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me;  [5] for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 

[6] So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"  [7] He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.  [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witactnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."  [9] And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.  [10] And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,  [11] and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." 

[12] Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.  

Questions for Reflection

1. What specific commands did Jesus give the apostles? (1:4)
2. What gift did Jesus promise to the apostles? (1:4-5)
3. What did the apostles misunderstand? (1:6)
4. How did Jesus answer the apostles’ question? (1:7-8)
5. What task did Jesus assign the apostles? (1:8)
6. After His resurrection, Jesus spent some forty days with His disciples; how do you think they felt about this time with Him?
7. How do we know when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives?
8. What specific means (abilities, opportunities, relationships) has God given you to carry out the task of being His witness?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (5/25/14)

Adelaide Copeland passed away around noon Wednesday at Kimble Hospital. Since Adelaide’s family members all live in the country, the home of Larry and Sarah Harrison will be the “base” for visitation, food, etc. The address is 402 W. Pine, north corner of W. Pine and Bluebonnet......with a driveway that cuts across the corner. Anyone needing directions may call 830-459-7766  or 446-3448.  

Funeral arrangements:
Friday 6 to 8 PM family visitation at Kimble Funeral Home
Saturday 2 PM funeral service at Kimble Funeral Home

Scripture
John 15:9-17 (ESV)  

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. [10] If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.  [11] These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 

[12] "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.  [14] You are my friends if you do what I command you. [15] No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. [17] These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Questions for Reflection

1.  What are the marks of a true friendship?
2. What do you do to maintain your friendships?
3. What command did Jesus give His disciples? (15:12)
4. Who did Jesus say were His friends? (15:14)
5. Why did Jesus call His disciples friends? (15:15)
6. Why did Jesus choose His disciples? (15:16)
7. When do you struggle with loving others the way Jesus has loved you?
8. What kind of friend are you to Jesus?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (5/18/14)

Sunday we will have a luncheon after church to honor our graduates and a baby shower for Lee and Myghan Meadow. The shower will be a diaper/wipes shower and there will be a money tree for them as well. Charles Hagood will be cooking brisket so please bring a side dish or desert to share.

Please be in prayer for the families of John Ball and Karl Owings. 

Memorial Service for John Ball will be Monday May 19, 4:00 P.M at the Hagood's  River  Place across Hwy 377 & 20th St. Casual dress bring lawn chairs, tea and water furnished bring favorite pictures to share. Please no flowers, if desired send Memorials to Meals on Wheels or your charity of choice.

Scripture
Psalm 31:2-24 (ESV)  
    Incline your ear to me;
        rescue me speedily!
    Be a rock of refuge for me,
        a strong fortress to save me!
    [3] For you are my rock and my fortress;
        and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;
    [4] you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,
        for you are my refuge.
    [5] Into your hand I commit my spirit;
        you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
    [6] I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols,
        but I trust in the Lord.
    [7] I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love,
        because you have seen my affliction;
        you have known the distress of my soul,
    [8] and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
        you have set my feet in a broad place.
    [9] Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;
         my eye is wasted from grief;
        my soul and my body also.
    [10] For my life is spent with sorrow,
        and my years with sighing;
    my strength fails because of my iniquity,
        and my bones waste away.
    [11] Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach,
        especially to my neighbors,
    and an object of dread to my acquaintances;
        those who see me in the street flee from me.
    [12] I have been forgotten like one who is dead;
        I have become like a broken vessel.
    [13] For I hear the whispering of many—
        terror on every side!—
     as they scheme together against me,
        as they plot to take my life.
    [14] But I trust in you, O Lord;
        I say, "You are my God."
    [15] My times are in your hand;
         rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!
    [16] Make your face shine on your servant;
        save me in your steadfast love!
    [17] O Lord, let me not be put to shame,
        for I call upon you;
    let the wicked be put to shame;
        let them go silently to Sheol.
    [18] Let the lying lips be mute,
        which speak insolently against the righteous
        in pride and contempt.
    [19] Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
        which you have stored up for those who fear you
    and worked for those who take refuge in you,
         in the sight of the children of mankind!
    [20] In the cover of your presence you hide them
        from the plots of men;
    you store them in your shelter
        from the strife of tongues.
    [21] Blessed be the Lord,
        for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
        when I was in a besieged city.
    [22] I had said in my alarm,
     "I am cut off from your sight."
    But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy
        when I cried to you for help.
    [23] Love the Lord, all you his saints!
        The Lord preserves the faithful
        but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
    [24] Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
        all you who wait for the Lord!

Questions for Reflection
1. To you, what’s the best example of strength?
2. Whom would you describe as a strong person? Why?
3. Why did David appeal to the Lord for help? (31:1-5)
4. What difficult circumstance motivated David to write this poem? (31:1-24)
5. What one theme unifies this psalm? (31:1-24)
6. How is the Christian view of strength different from the world’s?
7. When have you felt the same emotions that David describes in this psalm?
8. When is it most difficult for you to trust in the Lord?
9. Where do we usually turn when we face overwhelming circumstances?
10. What do people often do when they feel over-stressed or overwhelmed?
11. What does David teach us about dealing with stress through his example in this psalm?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (5/11/14)

Sunday May 18th we will have a luncheon after church to honor our graduates and a baby shower for Lee and Myghan Meadow. The shower will be a diaper/wipes shower and there will be a money tree for them as well. Charles Hagood will be cooking brisket so please bring a side dish or desert to share.

Scripture
John 10:1-21 (ESV)  

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. [2] But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. [5] A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." [6] This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 

[7] So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. [9] I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. [17] For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." 

[19] There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. [20] Many of them said, "He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?" [21] Others said, "These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?" 

Questions for Reflection
1. What person or group did you and your friends “follow” when you were a teenager?
2. Why won’t sheep follow a stranger? (10:5)
3. What effect did Jesus’ words have on His audience? (10:6)
4. What did Jesus say He was? (10:7)
5. To whom did Jesus say the sheep did not listen? (10:8)
6. What did Jesus say would be the result of entering through Him? (10:9)
7. How did Jesus contrast His coming with the coming of a thief? (10:10)
8. Who did Jesus claim to be? (10:11)
9. Why did Jesus say the hired hand would abandon his sheep? (10:12-13)
10. What type of relationship did Jesus say He had with His sheep? (10:14)
11. What did Jesus say He did for His sheep? (10:15)
12. In what way is Jesus like a shepherd?
13. How are we like sheep?
14. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus?
15. How can we better hear the voice of Jesus?

May 2014 Newsletter

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May 2014 Newsletter

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (5/4/14)

Don't forget Men's Breakfast tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM.

Scripture
Luke 24:13-35 (ESV)

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, [14] and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. [15] While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. [16] But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. [17] And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. [18] Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" [19] And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, [20] and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. [21] But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. [22] Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, [23] and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. [24] Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." [25] And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 

[28] So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, [29] but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. [30] When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. [31] And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. [32] They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" [33] And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, [34] saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" [35] Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. 

Questions for Reflection

1.  When have you ever suddenly understood a truth that had earlier confused you?
2. What did Jesus ask the two men? (24:17)
3. What emotions did the two men display? (24:17)
4. Why did Cleopas think that Jesus must have been a visitor to Jerusalem? (24:18)
5. How did the two men describe Jesus and what had happened? (24:19-24)
6. How had the events of the last few days crushed the expectations of the two men talking with Jesus? (24:21)
7. Why did Jesus explain the Scriptures to the men? (24:25-27)
8. How are your expectations of the Christian life sometimes changed by life’s trials?
9. What did you think your life would be like after you became a Christian?
10. When have you been guilty of unbelief?
11. Why are we so often “slow of heart to believe”?
12. What great truths has God taught you that you failed to understand at first?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (4/27/14)

Saturday April 26th we will be painting the inside of Grace Place beginning at 9:00 AM.

Anne Jones and Jurahee Silvers will be having a baby shower 2:00 PM April 27th at Jurahee’s house on the Tillman ranch for Lee and Myghan Meadow.  Call 806-789-4612 for directions.

Finger Food and Game Night – Sunday 27th at 5:30 PM.

Scripture
Romans 5:1-11 (ESV) 

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

[6] For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— [8] but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. [10] For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. [11] More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Questions for Reflection

1. What results can difficult circumstances have in a person’s life?
2. What is the basis for our justification with God? (5:1)
3. What is our relationship with God if we have been justified by faith? (5:1)
4. How does Jesus Christ change a person’s standing with God? (5:2)
5. What was our relationship to God when Christ came to die for us? (5:8)
6. What does it mean to be justified?
7. How were we formerly God’s enemies?
8. What is the connection between suffering and hope?
9. How should Christian hope affect a person’s attitude toward his or her current circumstances or goals?
10. What is hope?
11. What keeps us from being full of joy and hope in the middle of difficult circumstances?

Scripture for Easter Sunday (4/20/14)

Holy Week Services at First Presbyterian Church of Junction will include:

• Maundy Thursday Communion service tonight at 6:00 pm
• Good Friday Tenebrae 6:00 pm
• Easter Sunday will begin with the children's Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 am and we will worship our risen Savoir at 11:00 am.

Prayer For The Day

Wash us thoroughly from our iniquity, O God, and cleanse us from our sin. Purge us with hyssop, and we shall be clean; wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow! Restore to us the joy of your salvation, and uphold us with your free Spirit. Amen. ~ Adapted from Psalm 51

April 2014 Newsletter

Click on the link to open the April 2014 Newsletter...

April 2014 Newsletter

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (4/13/14)

This Sunday is Palm Sunday and the children will be processing with the palms at the beginning of worship.

Scripture
Mark 15:21-41 (ESV)  

    And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alex ander and Rufus, to carry his cross.  [22] And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull).  [23] And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.  [24] And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take.  [25] And it was the third hour when they crucified him.  [26] And the inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews."  [27] And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.  

    [28]  [29] And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,  [30] save yourself, and come down from the cross!"  [31] So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself.  [32] Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. 

    [33] And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.  [34] And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  [35] And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "Behold, he is calling Elijah."  [36] And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down."  [37] And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last.  [38] And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.  [39] And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" 

    [40] There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.  [41] When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. 

Questions for Reflection
1. What do people mean when they say that someone “did not die in vain”?
2. Why did Jesus not carry the cross Himself? (15:21)
3. How did the people insult Jesus when He was on the cross? (15:29-30)
4. What did the teachers of the law say about Jesus while He was dying? How? (15:31-32)
5. What challenge did Jesus ignore? (15:31-32)
6. What emotions do you think Jesus felt as He was led away and crucified?
7. Simon’s encounter with Jesus was very unusual; how did you first “encounter Christ”?
8. When have you ever experienced apparently “random” events in your life, that upon later reflection showed God’s sovereign will being worked out in you?
9. How can you thank the Lord for the hidden ways He works in your life?
10. Jesus was closely identified with criminals during His death; what significance does this have to you?
11. How does it make you feel to know that Christ endured such intense suffering for your salvation?
12. What significance is there for you in the fact that a Roman soldier recognized the great truth that even the religious leaders could not see?